Hearty Tomato & Vegetable Stew with Herbed Croutons

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A deeply flavorful, slow-simmered stew with garden vegetables and a golden herb-crusted topping, embodying the thoughtful depth of a serious meal. This mediterranean-inspired soups ready in about 70 minutes pairs diced tomatoes, medium carrots, stalks celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Dice 3 medium carrots and 2 stalks celery into 1/2-inch pieces. Finely chop 1 large onion and 4 garlic cloves.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion, and cook for 8 minutes until softened and golden at the edges.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 28 oz diced tomatoes, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 45 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, cut 1/2 loaf baguette into 1/2-inch cubes. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp chopped parsley, then toast in a 375°F oven for 12 minutes until golden and crisp.
  6. Step 6: Stir the toasted croutons into the stew just before serving, ensuring each spoonful has a satisfying crunch.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hearty Tomato & Vegetable Stew with Herbed Croutons take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (25 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Hearty Tomato & Vegetable Stew with Herbed Croutons?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep diced tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hearty Tomato & Vegetable Stew with Herbed Croutons?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Hearty Tomato & Vegetable Stew with Herbed Croutons for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Hearty Tomato & Vegetable Stew with Herbed Croutons?

Mediterranean soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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